With that being said, it’s OFFICIALLY summer. So what’s easier to just throw on and go other than a romper? They are my go-to & we are so ready to share this one with you, just in time for the 4th of July!

Here you will find a video that walks you through the whole process of creating this garment (hope the music puts you in the summer mood!) If you are a beginner, don’t worry, we have provided a simple walk through! If you are more advanced, we have accommodated you through the use of using your serger!

We want to see your final product!!! Tag us on Instagram or Facebook and hashtag #MLEVINECREATION for a chance to win some goodies!!

I am so excited to share with you our first tutorial VIDEO for you guys to follow along with. Soon, you will be able to purchase everything needed for these videos in a simple kit, but until then, ill be linking up everything that we used.

We started with this AMAZING pillow, I personally can’t wait to throw it on my towel at the beach and snuggle up and tan with it! But you can definitely use it as a home dec/lounge chair pillow as well!

Okay, so I’m sharing a secret with you guys. This dress I’m about to show you, is my life.

Before I go any further just know you don’t have to be an experienced sewer to do this! Sewing comes with time and patience. But if you are an experienced sewer and would like to finish this dress off (the hem, neckline and sleeves then be my guest, but show me pics!)

I chose not to finish the edges, which sounds crazy- I know, but with the ITY that I used and the knits that I have used, its not necessary and I like it a little rough. And you heard right, I’ve done this DIY with Knits and ITY.. AKA I’ve made a TON, they are my absolute GO TO.

I’ve even thrown one together minutes before work… that’s actually how this all started. With that said, lets get started!

Step 1: Pick out a fabric. I LOVE my ITY (which I’m giving 2yrds away to a random special someone) I used 1.5 yards, but bought 2yrds to be safe.

These are the two knits I have also used before (pictures with the dresses below)

Step 2: Gather your tools

Step 3: Pin the sleeve to your shirt IN, like so…

Step 4: Lay your fabric out, make sure you are “minding the grain” as my teacher has always told me (so that it stretches the correct way). I personally, lay my fabric out flat, then fold in each side according to how much fabric I need so that I have a solid middle piece remnant. You will then lay your shirt on top of the fabric down the center front. You can pin this down if your ITY is moving around too much.

Step 5: Use your ruler to measure from your shoulder to the ground, this will be how long you want to cut your dress continually extending it as your t-shirt follows.

** I wanted this dress to be formfitting and a little bit edgy, so I followed the cut of my shirt, if you want it loose and non formfitting, add 2-3 inches as shown below, when doing this, you may want to add a piece of elastic to the back, if you don’t know how to do this, please comment and ill add the steps **

Repeat steps 4 & 5: This will be your back, you should end up with TWO cuts that look the same, like this…

Step 6: Who loves french seams?! Because I know I do!! To those who are unfamiliar, we are going to start by sewing the dress together as if you are actually wearing it. That means pattern print goes OUTWARD. Starting with the shoulders, we pin, then sew (I used a stretch stitch)

Sew the shoulders and the sides

Step 7: Trim your garment to 1/4″ from the seam like so

Step 8: Now the magic happens! Flip the dress inside out and sew 1/2″ stitch

Sew the shoulders and the sides

AND THAT’S IT! I can’t stop making these nor do people stop giving me compliments on them. This in total takes me about 20 minutes (if that) to make.

We had a little off-time on here but now we are back in action! We have TONS of new stuff firing up and I can’t wait to share with you! In the meantime, I have a super fun and SUPER EASY DIY in store for you this week. This is the scrumptious fabric I will be using. (Giveaway of this fabric will happen to recreate my final product, comment below if you would like to be apart of the giveaway!)

The project takes a whole 25 minutes, unless you are using a fabric that frays, they you will need to finish your edges. If you would like to prep for this project, you will need:

2 yrds fabric

Matching thread

6″ of 1/2″ elastic

Your favorite t-shirt🙂

I’m sure you see where this is going…. Lets just say I made one last week and the next day went out and bought fabric to make FIVE more… IM OBSESSED.

I love these new cotton corduroy prints we just got in. They are perfect for fall. This 21 Wale Cool Cords Corduroy is designed by Rebekah Ginda for Robert Kaufman. It is ultra soft and has 21 cords per inch. I see some great skirts, dresses, and maybe even a few blazers coming our way. Don’t forget to tag us. We love featuring our customers in our monthly newsletter. Enjoy!

So this week we have a lot of new product going online and there is still so much outside my office & in the warehouse it is crazy. Larry (#larrylovesfabric), the owner, has been buying like crazy and I have to say he has found some beautiful fabrics at great prices, which we can now pass onto you. I think you’re going to be very happy over the next few weeks as the fabric continues to roll out.

Here are a few apparel fabrics that caught my eye this week…

As the summer leaves us and we gear up for fall these three wool/spandex blends are perfect. Sometimes a solid is just what is needed for a staple piece.

I know you all love a good strip knit, so here you go. Navy and white is such a classic combination. Love this!

This black & white stretch gingham seersucker fabric is a great weight. It is 58% Cotton/29% Polyester/10% Elasthane/3% Spandex. This classic black & white gingham is right on trend for the fall.

I posted this knit print as I was photographing last week. The modern feel and geometric print just caught my eye.

This Chambray Stretch Linen by Robert Kaufman is soft and breathable. It is 54% Linen / 44% Cotton / 2% Spandex. Personally stretch is my bacon…everything is better with it.

For a little more stretch we brought in a few new rolls of denim. They all have stretch, but this one is called a Super Stretch. It is 98% Cotton / 2% Polyurethane. That should fit like a glove. I don’t have a picture, but it make me think of the beautiful black leather with a spandex coating we just received. Just perfect for the leather pants I keep seeing online and in all the magazines.

We ordered this 21 wale corduroy in 21 colors. From kiwi to flamingo and many shades in between. It is ultra soft and light weight. I can’t wait to see what amazing items you all are going to make with this.

Beside fabric we’re really trying to boost our notions department online. This week we added over 50 new products. Here are just a few…

We have had chain in the retail store for sometime now. Last week we received over 60 new chains so we’re going to try them online as well. They sell by the yard and come in the traditional gold and silver, as well as many colors and styles. Last year I made a few great necklaces for the holidays. They were so simple and really great for all the holiday parties I went to. We plan on making a few new ones in November. I was inspired by a few great ones I saw in Anthropology last week. A little felt, some vintage looking buttons, and E600, and you’ll be ready to accessories. You can take a look at the ones I made last year here.

Remember many of these items were just photographed this week. They are in the process of going online. I have linked to where they will be. We just like to give you a little preview of what is coming. Have a great weekend.